What is the Worcester Guardian?
The Worcester Guardian is an independent, free, nonprofit digital news organization established in September 2023. The publication covers a wide range of topics, including news, sports, business, public safety, and arts and entertainment in the city of Worcester. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Worcester Guardian is overseen by an editor, consultant and nine-member board of directors.
What are we trying to accomplish?
Since 2000, more than 2,200 newspapers across the country have closed, including over 360 alone since 2020. Here in Worcester, the daily paper has seen its staff reduced by 75%. Meanwhile, the Worcester Guardian is growing – with financial support and input from the community – a dynamic platform that is telling the collective story of Central Massachusetts by reporting on important issues impacting the region.
What is our mission?
Our mission is to produce accurate, unbiased, in-depth and fact-based journalism. We seek to inform, educate and empower the public, thereby strengthening democracy. We strive to fill gaps in coverage left by the remaining for-profit media outlets. And we do this while maintaining a firewall between our news-gathering and fundraising efforts to ensure our journalism is produced without prejudice.
Who owns the Worcester Guardian?
No individual person or group owns the Worcester Guardian. A nine-member board of directors, led by chair Timothy M. Loew, provides financial oversight, ensures adequate resources, enhances the organization’s public standing, and recruits new board members.
How are we funded?
The Worcester Guardian is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service. The Worcester Guardian is exempt from federal income taxes, allowing it to receive tax-deductible donations and gifts from supporters. The Worcester Guardian is also supported by local businesses and philanthropic organizations who value the importance of independent community journalism.
How do I become a business sponsor?
To find out more, please contact info@theworcesterguardian.org. The Worcester Guardian subscribes to donor transparency standards adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News and makes public all donors who give $5,000 or more per year.
Who makes decisions about what gets covered?
David Nordman oversees the journalism as the Worcester Guardian’s lead consultant. Charlene Arsenault is the Worcester Guardian’s editor. The board of directors is not involved in making news decisions. The Worcester Guardian subscribes to the conflict of interest policy adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News.
Where can I read the Worcester Guardian?
Readers can access stories through the Worcester Guardian's website, social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) – as well as free email newsletters.
Where can I send news tips or press releases?
Story ideas can be sent to editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
The Worcester Guardian
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